Metal-Free Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Carbocarboxylation of Alkenes: Efficient Synthesis of γ-Amino Carboxylic Derivatives.

A metal-free heterogeneous protocol is established herein for the synthesis of value-added γ-amino acid scaffolds via carbocarboxylation of alkenes with CO and alkylamines under visible light irradiation. The protocol shows broad substrate scope under mild reaction conditions and good stability of the catalyst for recycle tests. Moreover, the methodology could be feasible to the late-stage derivatization of several natural products, enriching the chemical arsenal for practical application.

Photosynthetic Fixation of CO in Alkenes by Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalysis with Visible Light.

Light-driven fixation of CO in organics has emerged as an appealing alternative for the synthesis of value-added fine chemicals. Challenges remain in the transformation of CO as well as product selectivity due to its thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness. Here we develop a boron carbonitride (BCN) with the abundant terminal B/N defects around the mesoporous walls, which essentially enhances surface active sites as well as charge transfer kinetics, boosting the overall rate of CO adsorption and activation.